Stolen copper nuggets. A missing brother. Dognappers, and a scheme more nefarious than you can imagine. Polly is desperate to escape. The death of her ghastly parents land her in the care of a cruel uncle, one who sets her to work as a scullery maid. With no freedom or friends, Polly can only dream of getting away. Until she meets Simon. Together, the two children smuggle onto a train heading for London, one on a quest to find her kind neighbour and the other in search of his older brother.

Danger awaits them in the dusty city. Misers are on every corner and a new acquaintance is more menacing than he first appears. But doing the right thing isn't always clear cut. Can Polly and Simon find their loved ones before their past catches up to them? And how far into the Old Smoke's seedy underbelly will they go to keep safe? Writing that is both familiar and ambitious. This is a daring story about bravery and courage, wrapped in a fun, action-packed escapade. Perfect for fans of The Clockwork Sparrow and The Highland Falcon Thief.